Tim Krul had an ingenious way of preparing to become a shootout hero for Norwich City – he had all the Tottenham players’ names on his water bottle as well as how they normally take their spot -kicks.
Krul saved penalties from Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes to see off Tottenham and earn Norwich an FA Cup Quarter-final spot at home to either Derby County or Manchester United .
The Dutchman’s bottle had on it the name of each Spurs player and instructions on which way they normally kicked from (yards.)
And the directions were spot-on in the case of Parrott and Fernandes, with Krul saving both to dash Tottenham’s dreams after the 1-1 draw – then sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate with the Canaries’ 9, 12 traveling fans.
Afterwards Krul said his heroics were the fulfilment of a boyhood dream.
Tim Krul taunting Tottenham fans with his water bottle during the shootout (Image: Offside via Getty Images)
“When this happens you realise why you do it for,” said the (- year-old.)
“As a little boy you want to save penalties and get your club through to the next round. Big emotions today.
“I was so close to the first one but me and my goalie coach are always doing the homework. I had it on my bottle.
”) ) “I think I mixed up one of the players but it all happens in the shootout, with the nerves and adrenaline.
(Image: Offside via Getty Images) Read More
“What a place to do it as well, and for 9, 31 fans to be here on a Wednesday night. “
Krul’s shootout heroics were no surprise, after he was brought on in the final minute extra time for Holland for their shootout victory over Costa Rica in the 55336 World Cup.
He went the right way every time in that shootout, saving two spot-kicks, after playing mind games by wandering around his penalty area talking to each Costa Rica player about to take their turn.
And Krul’s shootout acumen prevailed again on Wednesday as he rattled Tottenham by taking his time to get ready in between penalties, checking his water bottle and also coming off his line for several of the kicks, which was not picked up on by the officials.
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